Recycling hardware for Android use - Hardware Hacking General

Hi,
I've been a Palm Pilot fan since the first device came to market. When the first Palm O/S smartphone became available (from Kyocera) I got one, then I switch to the Palm Treo for which I bought various harwares, such as a Targus foldable IR universal keyboard. IR port were common at that time.
Now I do own an Android tablet (v 2.3) and a Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone (v 4.0.2) and I would like to use the Targus keyboard with both equipments, but mostly with the smartphone. The tablet as a USB port and I've hooked a USB keyboard and mouse to it and it worked great. Since there are IrDA USB dongle on the market, I was wondering if it with be possible to use an IrDA USB dongle to communicate with the Targus keyboard using the tablet or the phone. Is it too much of an undertaking knowing that it would require some reverse engineering to write the drivers to communicate with the dongle and the keyboard.
I would like to get your opinions on that.
Thanks

There is no way of going o. About it lol. Unless your a dev
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda premium

I would guess that the IrDA dongle would use raw transport back to a custom driver.
If this is the case, it would hardly be worth your while to look into this.
If you have a dongle already handy you could plug it into any sort of computer and use a diagnostic tool to examine interfaces.
03:01 is a boot compatible HID.
Since this is probably not the case, why not go out and buy a new BlueTooth keyboard?

Renate NST said:
I would guess that the IrDA dongle would use raw transport back to a custom driver.
If this is the case, it would hardly be worth your while to look into this.
If you have a dongle already handy you could plug it into any sort of computer and use a diagnostic tool to examine interfaces.
03:01 is a boot compatible HID.
Since this is probably not the case, why not go out and buy a new BlueTooth keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'll have to do that. Still, I'm kind of reluctant to throw valuable harware to the garbage.
Thanks for your reply.

Related

Use xda as Usb Keyboard, Possible?

Hi, did a few searches about this but couldnt find anything.
Is it possible to make the device(in my case, the Hermes) act as a keyboard for another device?
The thing is, i have a Xbox 360, and today they released a update which among other things contained msn/live messenger integration.
and to make it easier to use this, Microsoft are launching a keyboard, which you plug in the controller ,blablabla.
But they havent released it yet, so, i was thinking of using the kard-Keyboard on my device as a USB keyboard for it.
any comments?
Never heard of anyone doing an app like this.
It is possible theoretically but someone would have to write a special program that would kill AS, then take over the USB port and identify as a keyboard.
Doubt any one will bother with this since there are plenty of real USB keyboards available at any computer store (small ones too)
the tricky part would be that the program would have to change what kinda usb device the pda would say it was
sounds like some lowlvl hacks would be required
As far as I know this isn't so hard. For example WM5torage does similiar thing by emulating Mass Storage Device. Personally, I would be interested in the bluetooth keybord emulation.
This is technically possible, but somebody will have to write USB function driver for HID device class for that.
For bluetooth - dont sure, if stack will allow extension.
how hard would that be?

Wireless Keyboard and/or mouse

Is there anyway to get a wireless keyboard/mouse working. I have a media center keyboard with trackball and nothing happens with just plugging in the USB.
Thats strange, I have plugged in many USB devices and have had no issues with them working, keyboard, mouse etc....are you on the newest firmware?
Yes, I am on the latest firmware but keep in mind I am talking about a wireless dongle for a wireless keyboard and not a usb keyboard. Are you using a wireless keyboard or mouse?
i have an old logitech wireless mouse - works goog, but klicking is a little bit hard to do - doubleklick and no good focus on the mouse.....maybe its my old mouse.....but in the german android-hilfe forums some users have the same issues...
A wireless dongle may either draw too much power or more likely require a funky driver. Does it require a special driver on a desktop system?
My suggestion would be to go with a Bluetooth keyboard, they seem to work well. I just got an Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard lashed up to my A70 today.
Yeah, I imagine it's a driver issue alright. Probably needs a software package to get it running correctly.
I have a wireless keyboard with a built in trackpad that works perfectly. This one is similiar but not the same. I normally have it for my media pc, but it works so well with the archos that I am thinking of buying a new one just for it.
IMO, if you can find a wireless device that works with just plug 'n play on a linux box then there is a good chance that it will work with your Archos.
Good to know guys. I don't think a specific driver is required in windows. I will give it another go.
Thanks for the input guys. I had to insert the usb before booting up and it works. Sure makes typing much much faster. One question though, how do you scroll up and down in Dolphin or any other browser?

USB Keyboard Support?

Picked up an A500 today after carefully reading through the documentation on Acer's support site as well as the user manual for mentions of USB keyboard support. It says implicitly that there IS support for USB keyboards (just not USB mice yet). However...I can't get a single USB keyboard to work (I've tried 3). Anyone tried this yet and gotten it working? I know the USB slot is working ok, because it reads a thumb drive just fine. Thanks!
meatlocker said:
Picked up an A500 today after carefully reading through the documentation on Acer's support site as well as the user manual for mentions of USB keyboard support. It says implicitly that there IS support for USB keyboards (just not USB mice yet). However...I can't get a single USB keyboard to work (I've tried 3). Anyone tried this yet and gotten it working? I know the USB slot is working ok, because it reads a thumb drive just fine. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had no problem with the one USB keyboard I've tried. It's a generic Apple clone from Deal Extreme.
No luck with Bluetooth keyboards though.
i could not get it to work with wireless USB keyboards but it did work with a dell USB keyboard.
it works with a logitech wireless keyboard
(I just realized that this is in the Dev section - mods, please move if needed!)
I tried a Dell keyboard, and it worked. One of the things I really hoped was going to work was the GTab case/usb keyboard combo ...the A500 fits perfectly in this case, even more snuggly than the GTab. I can't understand why it doesn't work.
meatlocker said:
(I just realized that this is in the Dev section - mods, please move if needed!)
I tried a Dell keyboard, and it worked. One of the things I really hoped was going to work was the GTab case/usb keyboard combo ...the A500 fits perfectly in this case, even more snuggly than the GTab. I can't understand why it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a cheap chinese case/usb keyboard combo and it worked but the a500 doesn't fit in...
USB keyboard
Got a case/stand for my vega for £20 of amazon which has a built in usb keyboard, tried it on the iconia works 100%
Actually I think having mouse support would be nicer, maybe in imminent 3.1 release.
KEyboard
I did not have a regular USB keyboard laying around so I tried a PS/2 using a PS/2 to USB adapter and worked perfect.
VitaZora said:
I have had no problem with the one USB keyboard I've tried. It's a generic Apple clone from Deal Extreme.
No luck with Bluetooth keyboards though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just posted in the "Iconia A500 Accessories" forum... I tested the Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro for PS3 (bluetooth keybd) and it worked !
Something people may need to note: When I plug a keyboard in while the screen is off, or is locked, it does not work. If I first login, THEN plug in the keyboard (Logitech multimedia USB keyboard) it works great.
i tried some cheap micro keyboard+trackpad combo (about as wide as the tablet in landscape) & had issues. Only time it worked was when I was in the URL bar of the browser, "physical keyboard" showed as an input type option. Anywhere else it just sat plugged in. I may steal my dad's Mac BT keyboard since he doesn't use it. Will clash horribly though
I've got it running on a BT Keyboard/mouse device Works great... I've had issues with the headphones plug not stopping my music... (listen to Hard Rock at work and everyone hears it =(oops).. pull headphones and plug them back in... lots of really little niggles that need to be worked out... hopefully acer will find them all with the update next month!!!
threedfreek said:
I've got it running on a BT Keyboard/mouse device Works great... I've had issues with the headphones plug not stopping my music... (listen to Hard Rock at work and everyone hears it =(oops).. pull headphones and plug them back in... lots of really little niggles that need to be worked out... hopefully acer will find them all with the update next month!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhhh! I've always wondered about that keyboard! Does the trackpad work? How's typing with that keypad?
Touch pad works great for pc and playstation 3... etc... but for the acer it does nothing... Arrows work to get from item to item typing works great... I believe an update will/can allow mouse...
FYI... this device comes with it's own bt usb adapter that is really weak however, when connected to a bluetooth device has decent distance.
threedfreek said:
Touch pad works great for pc and playstation 3... etc... but for the acer it does nothing... Arrows work to get from item to item typing works great... I believe an update will/can allow mouse...
FYI... this device comes with it's own bt usb adapter that is really weak however, when connected to a bluetooth device has decent distance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's the hardware? Solid? Connectivity in and out? And how easy/difficult was it to pair? I've read that a lot of these no-name devices don't come with specific instructions on pairing.
rorytmeadows said:
How's the hardware? Solid? Connectivity in and out? And how easy/difficult was it to pair? I've read that a lot of these no-name devices don't come with specific instructions on pairing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pairing was as simple (on my samsung epic) as searching for devices.
1. push the bluetooth button till the light blinks
2. Search for devices
3. type in a passcode on phone/device
4. type that passcode on the keyboard
I think this is how it was done... worked really well first time to my epic... easily connected on my a500 too. I love the keyboad it works with my entertainment pc that has sagetv on it so controlling the 47" from the couch is awesome.
edit: Hardware is really solid and the bt usb device slides into the keyboard... really convenient
I managed to pair with my Apple wireless KB but no love for typing.
ramy717 said:
i could not get it to work with wireless USB keyboards but it did work with a dell USB keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ditto here.
peyotll said:
I tried a cheap chinese case/usb keyboard combo and it worked but the a500 doesn't fit in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one?
EVO Mobile
My cherry keyboard doesn't seem to run. Sad
DMESG says the following:
<6>[ 660.363583] usb 1-1: new low speed USB device using tegra-ehci and address 6
<6>[ 660.410104] usb 1-1: New USB device found, idVendor=046a, idProduct=0023
<6>[ 660.410487] usb 1-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=0, Product=0, SerialNumber=0
<6>[ 688.559913] usb 1-1: USB disconnect, address 6

[Q] Does any eInk Nook have hardware that could support a physical keyboard?

Please forgive my ignorance - I'm a fairly new developer and know very little about hardware.
The subject line of the post pretty much says it all. I'm looking for something inexpensive with an eInk screen that I can use to type on, as regular monitors tire out my eyes after a while. If no software exists, I'd be very happy to contribute to that development, which is part of why I was looking to the Nook (I'm most comfortable in Java).
Does the current model or any previous eInk model have the capacity to connect a physical keyboard? If not, are there any other eReaders that do have this ability? (I know I can get an eInk screen for a netbook, but I don't want to spend that much if I can avoid it.) I saw a few old threads discussing whether or not USB Host was possible, but none seemed to have a conclusive answer one way or another.
Thanks for your help!
I'm not quite sure if the current version has Bluetooth. But since it is android and if it does have Bluetooth. Chances are there would be the possibility of connecting a Bluetooth keyboard.
Another possibility is getting an eeepc network and replacing the screen yourself with a pixelqi screen. That should be easier on your eyes (though probably not so easy on your wallet)
Sent from a Galaxy S 2 Far Away
Sorry, Volcanolotus, but the STR does not have bluetooth. One further option for that would be use the usb connector, converting it to usb host, and adding the physical keyboard. It is just a concept, but it may work.
apeine said:
Sorry, Volcanolotus, but the STR does not have bluetooth. One further option for that would be use the usb connector, converting it to usb host, and adding the physical keyboard. It is just a concept, but it may work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm. I thought so too. Fret not! I just thought of a solution. It has wifi right... Use this! https://market.android.com/details?...?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS52b2xvc3l1a2l2YW4iXQ..
Though its really a clumsy solution but a solution nonetheless
Though i love the nook, would not a kindle, already having a keyboard be a better option?
Now, in regards to using the USB port as a USB host, in regards to cell phones running android, the hardware is there, though software uses have been hit/miss on. ICS (Android 4.0) enables usb host functionality natively in the operating system, this will probably be your best bet for the functionality you want. The downside is that I would expect it to be atleast a year or longer before ICS comes to the nook.
keyboard now working
I asked verygreen to work on this and 24 hours later, voila.
(Nook Touch Android Development) USB Host support (working)

Looking for ideas to make Z3 Compact with a broken touch screen usefull again

Hi,
I have a Z3 Compact with a broken screen. It displays everything all right, but the touch is pretty much dead. Shame, I loved that phone.
Thus I am looking for interesting ways to make it useful again. It runs Android 6.0.1 right now.
I have an OTG connector, so I am still able to use the device with an USB mouse - BT controller is an option as well. My most basic options are:
- emulation-handheld for old consoles like PSX and SNES
- PC Camera (with apps like DroidCam, IP Webcam)
But before that my most basic question would be:
Will I be able to use the mouse after reseting the device to factory settings? Seems like the easiest way to clear all the data.
Also, I know there are unofficial Android ROMs available - is it possible to install and use them without the touchscreen, only with USB mouse?
And now to some wishful thinking...
Are there any Linux roms for Z3C akin to Raspbian for Raspberry Pie? Z3C most likely has enough power to act as a simple desktop PC for internet and youtube, it also has peripherals (was it called MHL?) to connect it to a monitor via HDMI that should be dirt cheap by now (the question is, is it still possible to connect K&M at the same time? Is USB-hub enough?), so... maybe?
Any other ideas are welcome!
*useful, my bad
A handy accessory
torrentius said:
Hi,
I have a Z3 Compact with a broken screen. It displays everything all right, but the touch is pretty much dead. Shame, I loved that phone.
Thus I am looking for interesting ways to make it useful again. It runs Android 6.0.1 right now.
I have an OTG connector, so I am still able to use the device with an USB mouse - BT controller is an option as well. My most basic options are:
- emulation-handheld for old consoles like PSX and SNES
- PC Camera (with apps like DroidCam, IP Webcam)
But before that my most basic question would be:
Will I be able to use the mouse after reseting the device to factory settings? Seems like the easiest way to clear all the data.
Also, I know there are unofficial Android ROMs available - is it possible to install and use them without the touchscreen, only with USB mouse?
And now to some wishful thinking...
Are there any Linux roms for Z3C akin to Raspbian for Raspberry Pie? Z3C most likely has enough power to act as a simple desktop PC for internet and youtube, it also has peripherals (was it called MHL?) to connect it to a monitor via HDMI that should be dirt cheap by now (the question is, is it still possible to connect K&M at the same time? Is USB-hub enough?), so... maybe?
Any other ideas are welcome!
*useful, my bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you have one of the magnetic charging cables so you can at least keep the mouse plugged in at all times AND keep the battery charged Keyboard & mouse possible IF you use something like the OLDER Logitech models with the proprietary dongle. The newer "unified" stuff won't work. BT keyboard / mouse too sluggish in my experience. If you are feeling courageous, and especially if you don't need it as a daily driver, a replacement screen is something like 25 dollars USD on eBay - get the one with a frame unless you are experienced in replacing screens - the replacement screen only units are somewhat FRAGILE.
nezlek said:
Make sure you have one of the magnetic charging cables so you can at least keep the mouse plugged in at all times AND keep the battery charged Keyboard & mouse possible IF you use something like the OLDER Logitech models with the proprietary dongle. The newer "unified" stuff won't work. BT keyboard / mouse too sluggish in my experience. If you are feeling courageous, and especially if you don't need it as a daily driver, a replacement screen is something like 25 dollars USD on eBay - get the one with a frame unless you are experienced in replacing screens - the replacement screen only units are somewhat FRAGILE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Nezlek! [I pozdrawiam współ-Warszawiaka! ]
Fortunately I have the magnetic cable, so no worries there. I wasn't planning on replacing the screen, definitely not that courageous. I loved that phone, but I am just not good with tinkering inside of small electronic devices. That is why I was thinking about ways of using it with other input tools like OTG mouse or BT controler. Right now I am thinking about getting a MHL cable for HDMI output and giving it with a BT gamepad to my friends kids with some games loaded. I have no other ideas, sadly.
Do you happen to know if OTG works right away after full-reseting the devicse? This is my main concern now.
Good Question ......
torrentius said:
Thanks, Nezlek! [I pozdrawiam współ-Warszawiaka! ]
Fortunately I have the magnetic cable, so no worries there. I wasn't planning on replacing the screen, definitely not that courageous. I loved that phone, but I am just not good with tinkering inside of small electronic devices. That is why I was thinking about ways of using it with other input tools like OTG mouse or BT controler. Right now I am thinking about getting a MHL cable for HDMI output and giving it with a BT gamepad to my friends kids with some games loaded. I have no other ideas, sadly.
Do you happen to know if OTG works right away after full-reseting the devicse? This is my main concern now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that OTG would work right after a re-set. Why not? The support is built into the ROM. As for the MHL cable, another good idea, but you could just as easily screen cast, no? But, for 5 U$D, or 18 zł PLN (take your pick) an MHL cable is a "worth it" experiment. And, if you're feeling adventurous
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Sony+Xperia+Z3+Compact+LCD+Screen+Replacement/35488
From personal experience, the only real issues with the Z3C are that the LCD panel is held in place by adhesive, so you have to position those templates rather precisely, OR use glue :crying: OR double-sided tape AND, you have to be CAREFUL re-positioning the speaker. Caution and patience is all you need.
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